B4 • Friday, June 11, 2021
THE GARDEN ISLAND
thegardenisland.com
SIDESTEP SKY-HIGH LUMBER PRICES 3 dreamy deck building products that can help you build bigger, better
deck system. “Since today’s wood-alternative deck boards are engineered to last for several decades, homeowners want enduring framing materials that can match the longevity of their BRANDPOINT surface boards,” said Toby Bostwick, VP of Product & According to a recent surBrand at Fortress Building vey on the latest outdoor livProducts. ing trends, home Framing with steel will improvement pros and deck also eliminate issues associbuilding specialists tell Qualified Remodeler magazine ated with moisture absorpthat, “everyone is thinking tion, one of the most about building something common reasons wood bigger, better, stronger and frame decks begin to show wider,” and that “homeownsigns of decomposition. In fact, steel is resistant to ers are requesting increasmost tangible threats, iningly larger, more customized decks.” The apcluding rot and decay, fungi, pests (such as termites) and peal of more expansive, reweathering. treat-worthy decks should In application, this means come as no surprise considsteel frame profiles will keep readily available boards a ering the unencumbered en- ings from April 2021 reComposite decking surface boards flat and One of the many allures of sustainable and cost-effecthusiasm for outdoor living ported the price of lumber today’s composite decking that has swept the country had jumped to a retive purchase when consid- smooth underneath your feet, safeguarding your inis that it emulates the natuover the course of a notably cord-breaking $1,048 per ering product longevity. unprecedented year. thousand board feet - up ral wood grain aesthetic and With its impressive vestment. Not only does If you also find yourself nearly 200% from the start of richness that standard wood wood-emulation and endur- steel framing offer long-lastdreaming about building a the pandemic. Demand for deck boards provide, but ing composition, composite ing support for your chosen sprawling deck to relax on the commodity product is lacks the propensity to decking is a smart choice for deck boards, but it also ofthis summer, first consider only poised to grow during warp, crack or deteriorate deck projects. fers a modern, high-end aesthe type of building materipeak outdoor living months. over time. Because it’s inthetic that’s rising in Don’t let historically high credibly resilient and can demand. While the rising Steel deck framing als you’ll need to tackle the lumber prices empty your Once surface boards have price of pressure treated project. Lumber has been handle whatever Mother Nalumber and the current lumbeen selected, it’s time to the traditional deck building wallet or material scarcity ture throws its way, it will put your deck project on material of choice, largely stand strong and look beau- think about where your ber shortage will certainly hold altogether. Innovative for its low upfront cost and tiful underfoot wherever you boards will rest. While pres- drive framing trends this familiarity. However, the se- manufacturers are bringing call home, from mountainsure treated lumber is often summer - the shift in mentalwood-alternative offerings to ous snow-shrouded settings the de facto deck framing ries of lumber mill closures ity may be permanent, given the table that provide weath- to sun-parched desert land- material of choice, soaring in the spring of 2020 steel’s impressive perforlumber prices and availabil- mance. wreaked havoc on the build- erability, premium perforscapes. What’s more, coming industry’s supply chain, mance and unmatched posite deck boards are ity concerns are now shedsending lumber prices customization capabilities. engineered to last longer ding light on alternatives like Aluminum railing through the roof. The outConsider these three alterthan traditional wood deck- steel. Strong and durable, While it’s certainly natural many are beginning to recto gravitate toward a famildoor living explosion has native building products be- ing. Leading brands offer only further driven up the products that can last 25 fore you break the bank ognize how well steel periar railing material like wood price. In fact, industry findyears or more, making these forms as the underbelly of a as you finish out your deck building your dream deck.
project, an aluminum system can bring strength and personality to a larger deck at a cost-effective price point. A wholly customizable railing system, the aluminum panels of Al¹³ HOME™ from Fortress Building Products can be personalized with an array of infill options - including cable and glass insets - to accommodate the vision behind your dream deck. What’s more, the system comes with an Accent Top Rail (ATR) and cap rail clips, and is dressed in a multi-layered anti-corrosion powder coating for a no-fuss solution. Not only does this ensure lasting style and safety around the perimeter of a deck, but it also helps create a finished deck structure that requires very little upkeep. For peace of mind, the railing is backed by a limited lifetime warranty. With its dreamy customization capabilities and strong warranty, this readily available aluminum railing solution is something your family can “lean” on this summer. Build a bigger, better, stronger deck now With today’s wood-alternative building products within reach, there’s no need to put your deck project on hold until debilitating lumber prices retreat. Instead, you can “deck” out your larger-than-life outdoor living space with dreamy solutions that serve up performance and lasting style.
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US average mortgage rates tick lower; 30year loan at 2.96% ASSOCIATED PRESS Mortgage rates remained near historic lows this week. The benchmark 30-year home loan held below the 3% mark amid further signs of the economy’s recovery from the pandemic recession. Mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday the average for the 30-year rate loan dipped to 2.96% from 2.99% last week. The rate for a 15-year loan, which is a popular option among homeowners refinancing their mortgages, edged down to 2.23% from 2.27% last week. In the latest economic news, the government reported that the number of Americans seeking unemployment benefits dropped last week for the sixth straight week, to 376,000, a new pandemic low. “Despite the stronger economy, the housing market is experiencing a slowdown in purchase application activity due to modestly higher mortgage rates,” said Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s chief economist. “However, it has yet to translate into a weaker home price trajectory because the shortage of inventory continues to cause pricing to remain elevated.” Another report Thursday found that Americans moved to slightly bigger homes in less expensive areas. On average, people who moved to a different city in 2020 ended up in a ZIP code where average home values were nearly $27,000 lower than in their previous ZIP code, according to Zillow. Rising prices, a dearth of homes on the market and the ability to work remotely motivated many Americans to relocate last year.
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